In the weeks leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams proved effective in masking the player they’d select with the first overall pick. We knew, however, that they’d be choosing between quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.
And on Thursday evening, the Rams made it official, taking Cal’s Goff number one overall. All signs indicated the Rams were leaning Goff’s way, but there was a sliver of uncertainty due to the team’s reticence regarding the matter. Regardless, the Rams now have their franchise QB for years to come.
Goff will join Case Keenum, Nick Foles, and Sean Mannion on the Rams’ depth chart, and it remains to be seen how quickly the rookie can work his way to the top. It also remains to be seen who, from last year’s trio, sticks around.
But for now, we celebrate adding a much-needed piece to the Rams’ offense. The bold move (trading up with the Titans) to address the QB position - which has something of a revolving door in recent years - finally provides the team and fanbase with optimism, and hopefully stability, in the (very near) future.
This marks the first time the Rams have taken a QB first overall since 2010, when they drafted Sam Bradford. And much like Bradford, expectations for Goff are going to be extremely high. Jeff Fisher’s Rams desperately need to get over the sub-.500 hump, and they’ll need to get Goff up to speed quickly if they’re hoping to make a playoff run.
But there will be some that think the Rams may have selected the wrong guy, and that Wentz - based on his experience in a pro style offense and potential/ceiling - was the QB the Rams ultimately should’ve taken. Time will tell.
How do you like the selection?
Grade: A
The Rams moved up in the draft to take the top QB, and that’s exactly what they did. We can, and will, speculate for days, weeks, and months to come, but the Rams got their guy. He’s the most NFL-ready prospect, and could very well be called upon early in the 2016 season. Whether Wentz is the better player in 5 years remains to be seen, but let’s face it...this regime needs to start winning, and they need to start winning quickly. Jared Goff can help them achieve that.